***GIFT CARD DRAWING ALERT***
This past Sunday we discussed that a church best communicates the message of Jesus through the commitment they share toward each other. The community (common-unity) that exists within Encounter Church will either point people toward Jesus or away from Him (John 17:20-26 and Acts 2:42-47).
Regarding this truth, allow me to throw out a few statements that have been made by people who are a lot smarter than I am…
George Gallup (statistician and pollster) stated that…
Americans are among the loneliest people in the world.
Author Randy Freeze claims that we’re living in a…
Crowded loneliness.
Mother Theresa said that…
Loneliness is the leprosy of modern society.
Marketing guru Seth Godin believes that one of the deepest desires of humanity is…
To be missed.
Understanding that we live in a community and relationally deprived culture, as a church, we have an incredible opportunity to show people who God is by allowing them to see and experience the common-unity we have with each other through Jesus.
So, this week, how are you going to work at building common-unity with those who are a part of Encounter Church? A phone call? An invitation for dessert? Going to the park with your families?
Share an idea in the comment section below. Those who leave an idea/comment will be entered into a drawing for a gift card that will be given away at this Sunday’s Worship Gathering. Go ahead and share your idea; if you win the gift card you'll be glad you did! ~MB
So, Ignacio and I are going to invite a couple over to watch a movie after the kids go to bed. They don't have kids so we thought this would be something fun we could do together in which the kids are not the center of attention:)
ReplyDeleteGreat idea Marcella! Thanks for sharing.
ReplyDeleteWe've been talking about having a ladies craft group as long as I've been attending Encounter. Now we're finally going to make it a reality and I'm going to lead the charge! I'm so excited about having some much needed "gal time" in my life again and being able to share my craftiness in exchange for their Bible knowledge is a blessing!
ReplyDeleteSounds like we'll need to build a "man cave" at Encounter to help offset the crafty ladies! Thanks for the input Deilia! My wife will definitely enjoy this opportunity.
ReplyDeleteI can't wait for the craft group! A way that I'd like to build common-unity within the church is by using my love of social media and engaging with others on Encounter's facebook page.
ReplyDeleteI have so many Ideas that its heard to narrow it down. but I would love to do a bible study for HS age young people that would incorperate The bible with topics Relivent to H.S life.
ReplyDeleteSince I moved to Louisville and encounter found us, I have had the awesome opportunity to connect with Lisa Thurman, for many weeks during my crazy sickness, Lisa was there to be my "Louisville mom" and spend many days with me since I was stuck at home all the time--Justin would drop me off before he went to work, and pick me up afterwards--I find myself truly blessed to be a part of encounter and know so many great people. Since I'm nearing the end of the week, and we'll be gone this weekend(grandma is turning 90...woohoo:) I will spend my day talking with others about Encounter, and how much of a community/family we are, hopefully bringing new faces to encounter(I have some prospects:)
ReplyDelete- Melanie: sharing is caring! Keep sharing the Encounter Facebook love.
ReplyDelete- David: with J-town high school in our new location's backyard, we've got a great opportunity to connect with high school students!
- Katasha: thanks for sharing a personal story of how God has used Encounter's common-unity in your life. Take time to pray for those prospects you've got in mind.
I would like to develop stronger relationships and friendships ... I definitely have an opportunity now to build my relationship-cultivation skills. So I plan on having more 1 on 1 conversations at coffee shops or over a drink, engaging in deeper connections ... invest in inter-personal connection instead of relying on fleeting conversations.
ReplyDeletecant wait for the Craft time!
ReplyDeleteCasey
Being "fairly new" still, we have just begun scratching the surface of getting to know folks. It takes time, and we've certainly enjoyed getting to know some families a little better these past few months! We have tried to dedicate time to do this, and we be sure it involves the kids.
ReplyDeleteIt has also been great to get to know a lot of folks just by swinging hammers, putting up walls, etc. Building a facility, and building friendships at the same time!
I totally agree with Jtown High School being in our backyard, lets attack! :-)
- Casey: good to have you back in Louisville!
ReplyDelete- Jud: 1 on 1 conversations + coffee = great way to spend an afternoon.
- Justin: one of the best ways to build relationships is by serving together.
Justin And Judson I would Love to get to know you Guys better
ReplyDeleteShelby and I are so excited to finish our house so we can have people over for dinner or host a Bible study for folks out our way. Stay tuned :)
ReplyDelete- Emily: an Oldham Co. Encounter group would be fantastic. Way to consider how God can use your house as a ministry tool!
ReplyDeleteI wouldn't mind hosting a south end Bible study (especially now that Sharon Neely is my neighbor!)
ReplyDeleteEVERYONE is welcome to our house on Wed nights at 7pm for a small group. Currently we are studing Exodus. It is so interesting! You can jump right in and join us. There is childcare and if you ask nicely Luna might give free spanish lessons!
ReplyDelete